Bridge: March 30, 2013

Nobody could take issue with that sentiment, but some declarers seem to feel that when the dummy appears, time spent thinking is wasted.

West did well to lead the ten of clubs against 3NT; a spade would have given South his ninth trick immediately. (I don't like North's auction. One diamond followed by two clubs should promise longer diamonds. But I must admit that North-South got to 3NT from the better side of the table.)

SECOND CLUB

South barely paused for thought before playing low from dummy and taking the ace. He cashed four diamonds, came to the ace of hearts and led a club to dummy's king. East won the next club, and a spade shift gave the defense six tricks.

South should have taken a deep breath at Trick One. Then he might find the best play of letting West's ten of clubs win, making sure East can't win a club trick. Whatever West does next, South has three clubs, four diamonds and two hearts.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ♠ K 4 ♥ A 7 6 4 ♦ K 10 7 ♣ A 6 5 3. You open one club, your partner bids one heart and the next player jumps to two spades (preemptive). What do you say?

ANSWER: If your opponent had bid one spade, you'd have had an easy raise to two hearts. After the preempt, you have no ideal action, but you have a sound minimum hand, and to pass would be unwise. Bid three hearts. Partner must realize that you may have stretched a bit to show your support.